Greece

Question 1

Describe the climate of Greece.

Answer 1

Hot Mediterranean, altitude and winds moderate, but wind can be strong enough to damage vines and rain shadow effect contributes to drought.

Question 2

What is the domestic equivalent of PDO wine in Greece?

Answer 2

POP (Prostatevomeni Onomasia Proelefsis)

Question 3

What are three important grapes in Greece?

Answer 3

Assyrtiko–citrus, stone fruit, high acid

Agiorgitiko–red fruit, spice, lower acid, smooth tannins Xinomavro–high levels of tannin, acid, compared to Nebbiolo

Question 4

What are the three most important wine regions?

Answer 4

Naossa in Macedonia, known for Xinomavro; Nemea in the Peloponnese, known for Agiorgitiko; and the island of Santorini, known for Assyrtiko and also Vinsanto.

Question 5

How are vines often trained on the island of Santorini?

Answer 5

Permanent wood is trained in a basket shape, known as a stefani, low to the ground to protect the vine from the wind

Question 6

How is Vinsanto made in Greece?

Answer 6

Late harvest grapes are sun-dried for up to 14 days, then aged in old oak for a minimum of 2 years.